Les chanoines XVIe-XVIIIe

The KTO program Au risque de l’histoire explores the various roles held by canons between the 16th and 18th centuries. Christophe Dickès discusses the duties of these clerics with Ségolène de Dainville-Barbiche, honorary general heritage curator, and François Hou, a doctor of history.

During this period, canons performed choral prayer, managed chapter assets, and governed dioceses during episcopal vacancies. They served as advisors to bishops and occasionally challenged their authority. At locations such as Notre-Dame de Paris, canons funded liturgy and music, maintained the cathedral, and participated in local intellectual and political life while practicing charity.

The Revolution abolished chapters in 1790, but they returned under the Concordat of 1801 in a different form. Following this change, the canonry became an honorary dignity for deserving priests, while the chapter took on a renewed function.